Three prominent South African law firms, Webber Wentzel, Bowmans, and Werksmans, have allied with Norton Rose Fulbright in a legal opposition to South Africa’s recently introduced ethnic rating system. The firms contend that the Legal Sector Code, which sets a five-year target of achieving 50% black ownership, is unrealistic and could potentially hinder the economy….
In recent moves within the Asian legal market, Yoon & Yang, one of Korea’s Big Six law firms, has enhanced its antitrust and competition team. The firm appointed Chiyeol Kim, formerly a deputy director at the Korea Fair Trade Commission, as a partner. This strategic hire reflects ongoing efforts by prominent Korean firms to strengthen…
In the realm of private equity megadeals, esteemed law firms such as Freshfields, Latham & Watkins, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett have recently played pivotal roles. Among the significant transactions, Freshfields has advised private equity firm Permira on the sale of its remaining minority interest in German software company P&I to Hg Capital, a fellow…
The African Legal Innovation & Technology Awards 2025 shortlist has been unveiled, prominently featuring ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode. The firm has secured six nominations, underscoring its significant role in the evolving legal innovation landscape across the continent. This year’s awards cover various categories, including private practice, in-house legal departments, and suppliers. With ALN…
Recent developments in Germany’s legal landscape have placed significant attention on “greenwashing” claims, with high-profile companies such as Adidas and RWE at the forefront of legal battles. A German NGO, Deutsche Umwelthilfe, successfully sued Adidas, leading to a court ruling that prevents the company from promoting its objective of achieving “climate neutrality” by 2050 unless…
In a significant demonstration of support, 67 current and former general counsel have signed an amicus brief in favor of Perkins Coie. This move comes as the firm pursues a permanent injunction against an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump, which threatens to terminate the firm’s contracts with its clients. The signatories include…
President Donald Trump has recently taken significant steps by issuing an executive order targeting Susman Godfrey, a major law firm. In addition, the Trump administration has mentioned intentions to possibly engage with five other law firms known for past deals with the White House, aiming to involve them in forthcoming trade discussions. Deputy Chief of…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly prominent in the legal field, offering both opportunities and challenges. Legal professionals who effectively understand and integrate AI tools can potentially gain advantages in this evolving landscape. However, it is crucial to acknowledge AI’s limitations and the distinct roles that humans and machines play. For instance, while AI can perform…
Freshfields has announced a collaboration with Google Cloud aimed at advancing AI innovation within the firm. The partnership will focus on developing and enhancing artificial intelligence tools leveraging Google’s advanced technologies, such as the generative AI model Gemini and Vertex AI. These tools are anticipated to streamline legal tasks, including legal reviews, thereby potentially increasing…
Australian law firm Mills Oakley has announced the hiring of two new partners, further expanding its capabilities by drawing on international talent. The firm has recruited Tania Sibree as a financial services partner from EY and Randall Gerkens as a property partner from K&L Gates. This strategic move marks Mills Oakley’s continued trend of leveraging…
Apple is engaged in a legal dispute with the UK Home Office, represented by the law firm Fieldfisher. The core issue is the Home Office’s request to keep details of the case secret, citing national security concerns. However, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal has ruled that the facts cannot be entirely confidential. The tribunal’s decision challenges…
“`html Two prominent partners from Jenner & Block have shed light on the evolving landscape of global corporate compliance, reflecting on how shifts in U.S. administration policies under President Donald Trump have affected corporate DEI, governance, and compliance strategies. Notably, as the U.S. appears to ease enforcement, there is potential for other jurisdictions, particularly the…
Baker McKenzie affiliate FenXun Partners has recently broadened its capital markets team in Greater China by integrating a group of senior transactional lawyers from Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. This comes in the wake of the closure of Wilson Sonsini’s Beijing office, which had been the firm’s biggest outpost by partner count in the region….
A recent report indicates that geopolitics has emerged as the primary disruptive force confronting legal departments globally. This comprehensive survey involved input from 1,000 general counsel and chief legal officers across 21 countries, with all participating organizations generating at least $1 billion in annual revenue. An overwhelming 76% of respondents identified geopolitical issues as a…
Four Portuguese youth, whose climate litigation case was previously deemed inadmissible by the European Court of Human Rights, are now preparing to hold their own government accountable for its emissions reduction targets. This legal action is led by the non-profit Último Recurso, which focuses on climate litigation, as they aim to address what they see…
The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT) has suspended Lewis Brady, a former managing associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, from practicing as a solicitor for 12 months. The tribunal concluded that Brady acted “without integrity” and “failed to uphold public trust in the solicitors’ profession.” However, it was noted that he “did not abuse his position…
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman has announced the opening of its restructuring practice in London, marking a notable expansion of its global finance and restructuring capabilities. With this launch, Natasha Atkinson will join the firm’s finance & restructuring group as a partner in London. Atkinson transitions to Pillsbury from DWF, where she held the position of…
Tim Murnane, McLaren’s long-serving general counsel, will step down in May after a distinguished career spanning 34 years. Having joined the company, then known as TAG McLaren, as its first “company lawyer” back in 1991, Murnane was instrumental in establishing McLaren’s in-house legal department. While he is set to relinquish his general counsel role, he…
Addleshaw Goddard is set to expand its presence in Europe with the acquisition of Linklaters’ Warsaw office. Following a decisive partnership vote by both firms, the takeover is poised to add an 80-lawyer, eight-partner office to Addleshaw’s operations. This development is expected to finalize by the end of April, with the transition marking Warsaw as…
Latham & Watkins has bolstered its London office with the addition of two structured finance partners from A&O Shearman. Franz Ranero and James Smallwood, who are set to join Latham later this month, will strengthen the firm’s capabilities amidst recent departures [read more].
Global private client law firm Withers has entered into a collaborative agreement with Australasian accounting, advisory, and audit firm Bentleys. This partnership will allow the two firms to jointly offer their clients comprehensive legal and accounting advice. The collaboration, although non-exclusive, aims at combining expertise in dealing with clients’ business, personal, and charitable matters. For…
Linklaters LLP has appointed Hong Kong-based partner Carl Fernandes as the new head of its global financial regulation group. Fernandes, who previously led the firm’s Asia financial regulation division, will succeed regulatory lawyer Peter Bevan. Bevan, after a decade at the helm, is transitioning to the position of global chair of financial regulation. Fernandes returned…
King & Spalding has strategically enhanced its Brussels office by bringing in Charles-Albert “Charly” Helleputte, the former head of Squire Patton Boggs’ EU data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital assets practice. This move signifies the firm’s growing focus in these critical legal areas as they continue to expand in Europe’s regulatory heart, marking the third lateral…
Allen & Overy Shearman (A&O Shearman) has expanded its United States presence by opening a new office in Chicago, marking it as the firm’s tenth establishment in the U.S. In conjunction with this development, A&O Shearman has brought on board two partners from Mayer Brown, notably including Paul Astolfi, the former co-head of Mayer Brown’s…
Al Tamimi & Co., a leading UAE law firm, is positioning itself for expansion into key global markets. With a lawyer headcount increase of 37% over the past year, bringing their total to 565 lawyers, the firm is now targeting China, Korea, and India for its next phase of growth. The firm currently employs nine…